Metal Review – Gamma Ray – Skeletons & Majesties (2011)

Since when is an EP a mini album and since when did the German power metal band Gamma Ray become a weirded out version of themselves? The latest release, Skeletons & Majesties (a mini album – not a EP – don’t ask), just got sent over to me, so it is time to review it. I am not the biggest Gamma Ray fan by any means. I am actually not much of a power metal fan either, but I am open minded and appreciate good musicianship.

In Gamma Ray’s own words, here is their description for the latest release:

The first two tracks are the “Skeletons,” featuring brand new versions of some of Gamma Ray’s songs rarely (if ever) played live, including Hold Your Ground and Brothers. The second section, “Majesties,” is where the band display two more new versions of rarities, Send Me A Sign and Rebellion In Dreamland, both performed in a new acoustic presentation.

Additionally, Gamma Ray have also included some bonus tracks, including the ultra rare track Wannabees, previously only released on the To The Metal! 7â€™â€™, and available here on CD for the first time, as well as an extended version of Brothers.

And to top it off, the final track on the EP is another version of “Rebellion In Dreamland,” this timeÂ Karaoke style! The band have launched a special contest, where they’ll be integrating a “choir” of their fans’ voices on the upcoming album version of the song! Diehards and wailers can take part in the competition by submitting a recording of their version of the song via physical demo submission or digital sound file.

I am not quite sure what Gamma Ray was thinking with this release. I am all for having fun, but serious Gamma Ray fans may take offense to what was done of this album. Remember Helloween doing rotten Ska versions of their classics. This is almost along the same lines. WTF?

On a serious note though, the first two tracks are not half bad. After that point, the album takes a long walk off a short cliff and takes a serious plummet into WTFland. I would love to hear thoughts from Gamma Ray fans on Skeletons & Majesties.

Armoury Records are proud to announce the next release from German power metal kings GAMMA RAY!

Set for release in the US and Canada on May 31st via Armoury Records/Eagle Rock Entertainment, Skeletons & Majesties is a collection of songs GAMMA RAY gathered from previous albums represented in two completely different styles. The purpose of the disc is simply to have fun, and to give fans a heads-up on what is in store for the band in the coming months, as well as involve their fans in the upcoming actions.

The first two tracks are the “Skeletons,” featuring brand new versions of some of GAMMA RAY’s songs rarely (if ever) played live, including “Hold Your Ground” (from their Heading For Tomorrow album) and “Brothers” (from the Insanity And Genius album). The second section, “Majesties,” is where the band display two more new versions of rarities, “Send Me A Sign (originally on the Powerplant release) and “Rebellion In Dreamland” (originally on Land Of The Free), both performed in a new acoustic presentation.

Additionally, GAMMA RAY have also included some bonus tracks, including the ultra rare track “Wannabees” — previously only released on the To The Metal! 7â€™â€™, and available here on CD for the first time — as well as an extended version of “Brothers.”

And to top it off, the final track on the EP is another version of “Rebellion In Dreamland,” this timeÂ KARAOKE style! The band have launched a special contest, where they’ll be integrating a “choir” of their fans’ voices on the upcoming album version of the song! Diehards and wailers can take part in the competition by submitting a recording of their version of the song via physical demo submission or digital sound file. Full album details are available at this location.

Stay tuned for much more updates on GAMMA RAY over the coming months as they are planning a Summer tour where they’ll be filming in HD for a brand new live DVD/CD to be released later in the year.